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Hernia Repair (Male) – Open Inguinal

This page will provide you with information about open inguinal hernia repairs. For further details, please speak to your consultant.

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia is a hernia that develops in the inguinal canal. Hernias arise because of weakness in the muscle that allows internal organs to push through the abdominal wall (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

An inguinal hernia

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The inguinal canal allows blood vessels to pass through the abdominal area to provide a ready supply to the testicles. If intestines get stuck in a hernia their blood supply can be cut off, causing strangulation of this portion of the organ.

What are the benefits of surgery?

The hernia will be repaired and tissue strangulation avoided.

What are the alternatives to surgery?

A truss can be used to control hernias but they will not repair it. Inguinal hernias require surgery to be fully repaired.

What will happen during the operation?

The operation takes around 45 minutes and involves the surgeon making an incision on the groin to repair the hernia sac. They will then use stitches and sometimes a surgical mesh to make sure the area is strengthened.

Various anaesthetic options are available.

Risks and complications

Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.

Recovery

Most patients are released from the hospital the same day and will be encouraged to walk around as much as possible.

Patients usually return to work between 2-4 weeks after surgery. Exercise will help with the recovery process – ask for advice from your healthcare team as to what type of exercise to do.

Even with surgery hernias may return.

 

References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.

The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.